Carved Tribal Art

Atypical form with a rich high patina. Professional mounted. Provenance: Weinberg Modern.

Zulu Tribal carved wood Snuff Container, South Africa A finely carved snuff container with finely carved incised great geometric designs, a great example of the detailed work the Zu...

Exceptional African wood carving ,mounted on custom-made steel base of women graciously looking forward, beautiful facial expression, and very ni...

A Finely Carved Polynesian Maori Feather ‘Treasure Box’ and Cover With superb colour and patina Wood, haliotis (abalone) shell New Zealand Early ...

Powerful Scarified Makonde portrait helmet mask from Tanzania. Early 20th century with heavy dark patina from traditional tribal use, wear inside from being used. Finely carved featu...

A wonderful small early 20th century Ashanti tribal stool, headrest. Carved from a single piece of wood. Well worn and genuine tribal stool or headrest.

Marroquin forged steel dagger with sheath. Beautiful koummya dagger with a sheath from the region of Morocco, circa 1870. The blade was created with forged steel, mounted in wood and brass and embellished with silver parts decorated with chiseled and engraved motifs. The dagger is curved with a tick double edge blade, the handle is ornate with silver and wood. Like swords and daggers in most cultures, the Islamic dagger...

Late 19th-early 20th century Tribal mask, West Nepal A mask from West Nepal with a sharp straight nose, squinting eyes and a square mouth showing upper and lower teeth. There are re...

Hand-carved wooden Indian tribal storage chest box with hand-wrought iron hinges and straps, and handle. Early 20th century, Northern India.

Standing Akan Ghana female figure, early 20th century, Africa. Intense expression with large eyes. Female figure with one hand on her breast, representing p...

Large carved wooden spoon in the shape of a standing female figure, with a round bowl over her head, Yoruba People, circa 1960s. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn Stat...

Possibly Babanki. Circular ceremonial wood stool constructed of repeated animal heads. Original applied patina.

Early Yoruba offering bowl in the from of a male figure with a beard riding on horse back surrounded by four small attendants, finely carved with nice patina from native use. Probabl...

Fiji, probably early 20th century Polynesian culture is traditionally a culture of power and prestige, and there was a fine line between battle and ceremony. Warrior people par exce...

This is a Kalinga shield that is used by warriors who are headhunters from the Northern mountainous region of the Philippines. Art meets utility in this shield which has three prongs...

Striking Bembe bearded male bust figure with hands on sides of projecting stomach and finely carved beard. Stacking square hair style on top of head and projecting element hair on b...

A Songye Male ‘Power’ Figure Open aperture to the head and stomach Fine overall patina, loss to feet Democratic Republic of Congo 19th Century Size: 23cm high - 9 ins high The ...

Carved wood standing female figure with projecting stomach, attached horn on top of head, and hair in form of small hand shaped copper pieces. Old glass beads...

Amazing and scarce JUDAICA object, we have here one of the most touching jewish objects we had for a long time, this small silver dowry box was made in Algeria in the early 19th century, it is all covered with symbols of jewish faith and of couples, the sliding lid has 2 flanking birds with hamsa (protective hand) on each side and a flower vase in the middle. one side shows two flanking lions with a tree in the middle and the other side shows again two big and two small birds with a flower bowl in the middle, front side has a key hole and next to it there is the Hebrew inscription ס״ט״" which says Siman tov or in English "a good sign" it is taken from the wedding blessing, underneath the lock there is another inscription with the name ״עזיזה בת אברהם בן חמו״ which is the name of the bride, her father and her grandfathers name. the box is full marked a lot of times with the silversmith mark, every side of the box is marked. this box was probably ordered by the grooms family to hold the jewelry they are giving to the bride as dowry, this type of objects are rare and there are just a few of them on museum collections. DOWRY (Heb. נְדֻנְיָה), the property a wife brings to her husband at marriage; the Yiddish equivalent, nadn, is from the same root. The custom of nedunyah became clearly defined and institutionalized only in the talmudic period. In biblical times, mohar (מֹהַר), whereby the groom bought his wife from her father (Gen. 24:53; Ex. 22:15–16; Hos. 3:2), was the accepted practice. It was then customary that the groom give the bride gifts, and that she bring certain property to her husband's home upon marriage: slaves, cattle, real estate, etc. (cf. Gen. 24:59–61; 29; Judg. 1:14ff.; I Kings 9:16). Evidence of the custom of nedunyah is to be found in Tobit (7:14; 8:21) and in the Assuan papyri (Cowley, Aramaic, nos. 15, 18). Gradually, mohar was superseded by the ketubbah custom according to which the husband merely assumed the responsibility of compensation to his wife in case he divorced her: he had to pay her 200 zuzim if she had been a virgin at the time of marriage, and 100 zuzim if a widow or divorcée (see *Ketubbah). By talmudic times, the institution of nedunyah was prevalent; the father gave a dowry to the bride since the daughter was excluded from paternal inheritance. Fifty zuzim (equivalent to the worth of 180 grams of silver) was the minimum amount a father was obliged to give to his daughter (Ket. 6:5). Parents usually gave much more, according to their social standing. Community funds provided the dowry for an orphan or a very poor girl (ibid.; cf. Sh. Ar., YD 251:8). In case of her father's death, the brothers of a minor girl were obliged to give her the minimum dowry, and the court estimated how much her father would have given her above the minimum dowry. The sum was then taken out of the father's estate and given to the daughter upon majority (Ket. 6:6; 68a–69b). In the absence of such an estimate, each daughter was entitled to receive one-tenth of the value of her father's estate in money, or in valuables (Yad, Ishut, 20:4–7; Sh. Ar., EH 113:4). If the father was unable or unwilling to pay the promised dowry at the betrothal ceremony, the groom could refuse to marry his bride (Ket. 13:5; Ket. 108b–109a). Insistence on exact payment of the promised dowry, however, was frowned upon by later rabbinic authorities (Rema to Sh. Ar., EH 2:1). In certain communities it was customary for the groom's father to make a dowry contribution equal to that of the bride's father (Ket. 102b). The dowry, whether given in real estate, slaves, money, or chattel was recorded in the marriage contract (the ketubbah) and in some instances one-third or one-fifth of the actual value of the dowry was added to the sum mentioned in the ketubbah. Based upon a decree enacted by *Simeon b. Shetah (first century C.E.), the Talmud ruled that the husband and his entire property were liable for compensation as stipulated in the ketubbah, either in case he died (when she collected the sum specified in the ketubbah from the heirs) or in case he divorced his wife (Ket. 82b). For the status of the dowry and the husband's rights and obligations, see below. The rabbinic enactments (Takkanot Shum) by R. Jacob *Tam and by the rabbinic synod of the communities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz (Germany) stipulated that if a woman died...

Early carved wood small Salampasu Warrior's Mask, Zaire, Africa early 20th century, remains of black and white pigments, on custom stand. Mask 10", height on stand 14" strong angul...

Carved abstract mythological abstract antelope anteater headdress mounted on wood stand. These motifs symbolize excellence in farming and bountiful harvests...

A fine old Baule carving, with a rich golden brown surface patina.

Good of female Yoruba Ibeji Figures Finely carved in dense wood with linear decoration to the body Nigeria Period Early 20th century Size: 27 and 25 cm Condition: Good Fine...

An early to mid-20th century Toguna support post from the Dogon Tribe of Mali, on custom metal stand. This West African hand carved wooden bean was origin...

Balinese offering tray; "Dulangs" served two main purpose, one purpose was to carry offerings atop woman’s heads during ceremonies. The present "Dulang" was used exclusively in temples to display offerings and features hints of turquoise polychrome at its base. This "Dulang" has faded polychrome and chipped...

An extremely rare Papua wood sculpture of a Korwar Papua New Guinea, Cendrawasih Bay, Wandammen, early 19th century Measures: Height 24 x Diameter 18 cm Finely carved in th...

Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...

Carved wooden sculpture depicting a woman sacrificing holding an offering bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 1940s There is a small old chip on the top, please refer to the photos. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Pennsylvania State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection and the Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs. John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University Of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where they remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs. Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...

An old carved wood handle from Nepal, North India or other Himalayan culture. A butter churn handle called a ghurra. Created in the early 20th century. The handle with finely carved...

Classic Dayak carved wood calendar board with Aso or Dragon Motifs, Borneo, Indonesia. Traditional very dark wood with carving in relief and incised numb...

This large early Ashanti stool consists of an attractive support featuring a double-sided bird motif. The surface of the stool exhibits a rich, dark patina. Extensive use over the ...

Early 20th Century African Antique Wood Comb with Human Head From the Chokwe Culture of Angola. A fine, old, much used comb with a glossy, glasslike patina...

Nepal wood dance mask in half cylindrical form with cut out open eyes and mouth. Heavily encrusted surface, very good age from traditional use. Ex- private collection in California...

Set of three rare Fang carved wood spoons, from Gabon, Africa. Each with unique shape, wear and encrustings from traditional tribal use. They are in good condition, appropriate for...

This stool, from the Gurage culture of Ethiopia, has been carved from a single piece of heavy, dense wood. The stool exhibits a flat, low form and over time, has developed a lovely d...

Authentic tribal piece, early 20th century.

Early Ghost Like Kumu Mask With Kaolin Open Eyes Mouth Teeth, Congo, Africa It is in good condition with wear, polish and erosion from traditional use, appropriate for its age, use,...

A Rare and Extremely Fine South African Tsonga Prestige Staff by the ‘Baboon Master’ Depicting a Zulu elder wearing a head-ring Superb silky reddish brown patina Late 19th Century ...

Small carved darkened wood bird faced mask with long nose/beak. Smaller squatting figure with curled arms carved on forehead. From Sepik River Area of Papua New Guinea. Signs of ...

A pair of Papua New Guinea Mendi wooden war shields on custom stands from the mid-20th century. This pair of war shields originate from the Mendi region, within the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. These oceanic war shields were not only created for protecting oneself for tribal warfare, but also in ancestral and ritual worship. They are adorn in various motifs, coloring and symbolism, intended to protect the carrier from magic and bring fear to the opponent. The shields are displayed upright on a custom black iron Stand, with the tallest of the set standing at a height of over 4.5 ft tall. This pair of Papua New Guinea shields...

Carved and painted wood with an openwork tiered bucket form back. The top tier with female figures, the bottom row with horsemen holding small-scale figures on top of the horses' heads. The shaped back with a dentated top border and two carved panels with birds. Panels with snakes frame...

Small sweet early Kuba Cup with refinedf face, finely carved hair, with a handle, from the DRC, Africa Finely incised hair in tight geometric form, small proj...

Mysterious Amazing, 18th century silver talismanic amulet, Amulet for mother and Newborn with image of Lilith in the center made by Jews in Persia, the top of the Amulet has an amazi...

A Carved Ebony Prestige Staff Depicting an Important Elder or Leader wearing a Head-Ring ‘Isicoco’ His waistband neck-ring and eyes inlaid with brass studs, his hands carved to his s...

This rare antique Kukukuku (pronounced "cookah-cookah") war club is from the remote Morobe Province located within the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The head is carved from...

Bambara Standing male figure with powerful shoulders, arms at sides and large feet. From Mali, Africa It is in good condition with wear, polish and erosion from traditional use, appropriate for its age, use, and medium. Scuffs and nicks here and there. Age, wear and staining inside. On vintage wood block...

Fine Kuba wood cup with incised designs similar to the famous Kuba textiles, early 20th century, from Central Africa. The woven cris cross designs that are typical of the Kuba currency...

Originally collected in the Solomon Islands in 1938, this one of a kind treasure from the south pacific comes from a private oceanic collection. This is a Solomon Islands Santa Cruz hand carved figure called a Duka, circa 1930s. It was carved in an extremely hard native wood and features a finely carved, unusual extended conical head, a handwoven loin cloth and turmeric encrustation. For your convenience, many of our photographs were taken in natural day light which accurately illuminate surface areas depicting original dark patina that you would expect from an important early carving such as this one. We will include a complimentary custom wood display base that you see photographed. Dimensions: 21.25 inches high Provenance: collected in l938 and originally acquired by a visiting French collecting tourist in the Solomon Islands then to dealer and Texas collector and to our private collection in year 2000 so could have been a specially crafted fine 1930s tourist sculpture piece for the visiting French tourist. History: Duka sculpture from Nendo Island, politically part of the Solomon Islands, is distinctive, and only a limited number of works have been documented. The conical extension at the back of the head represents a man's hairstyle. Called abe, its construction and shape was a symbol of wealth and high social status, and for older men, it also served the practical purpose of covering bald spots. All Nendo figure refer to deities or supernatural beings (Ellis: 2009, pp. 78-85) Auction sale: Bonhams Auctions April 28, 2015 sale. Exceptional Lime Container...

Early to mid century danced light wood round mask from the Yela or M'bole people, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Finely carved mask with carved raised eyes and diagonal scarif...

Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet Moroccan tribal bracelet, cuff from the high atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroc...

Sculpture, Lobi Male Figure with one hand pointing upwards, Burkina Faso. Mid/late-1900s. Height excl. base 13 cm. Total height 15 cm. Patina, signs of age. Provenance: Dealer and...

Well-used wood door lock used by the Bambara people, Mali, Africa, with crosspiece. The top is an animal head with horns possibly an antelope. Includes...

Fine Tribal Bambara cubist figurative wood door lock, early 20th century Mali, Africa great abstract figure with strong cubist stylized elegant face. The Bambara of Mali use decorated door locks sliding horizontal bar and with a removable key (missing here) to secure the doors to houses or millet granary. This door lock shows a stylized human body with strongly sculpted face and carved notch in back to hold the movable cross bar. The rectangular body is decorated with fine, geometric line...

This early twentieth-century miniature ladder, from the Dogon culture in Mali, replicates the form of full-size granary ladder, however, unlike its larger, practical counterparts, th...

Ritual cup for divination and/or medicine the cup rests on 2 figures of stylized birds Beautiful dark patina, partly crisp and shiny The Yoruba of Nigeria consult Ifa on all question...

Early finely carved African Afikpo mask with stylized geometric abstract long face. From Nigeria close to the Cross River. From an old collection in the Southwest. Overall dimensi...

Early vintage or antique South Seas carved teak Mermaid, circa 1920s or perhaps earlier, a hand carved upright figure holding a carved shell, with deeply carved flowers in grooved hair flowing down back, shell necklace, and scale pattern throughout her tail. The statue is weathered, has a few age cracks, and the end of the tail is broken. Mounted long ago on a late Victorian brass lamp...

Seated female figure on classic Akan stool holding a sword. From the Ewe people of Ghana, West Africa. Created as three separate pieces that fit together for display, figure, stool ...

A statue from the Baoule/Baule tribe, Ivory Coast carved in hardwood in the early colonial style Early 1900 Tribal aged patina Heigth 36 cm

Rare double joined standing figure with male figure on top standing on female shoulders. Deep patina and wear from traditional use. Finely carved and expressive faces. 11 1/4 inche...